Music: {allcanada} Stinson cracks Canada's roster

Thursday, November 3, 2011

{allcanada} Stinson cracks Canada's roster

The youth movement continues within the Canadian men's soccer team.

Coach Stephan Hart on Thursday revealed his 18-man roster for Canada's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against St. Kitts and Nevis, calling up Toronto FC midfielder Matt Stinson to the national team for the first time.

The Canadians take on St. Kitts and Nevis in Basseterre on Nov. 11 before returning home to host the islanders four days later in Toronto. Canada needs one point from its final two games to advance to the semifinal round of qualifying in CONCACAF, the soccer region covering North and Central America and the Caribbean.

Hart also recalled TFC defender Ashtone Morgan, who made his debut in Canada's 7-0 win over St. Lucia last month.

The inclusion of the youngsters in Canada's roster is a testament to their steady development in Major League Soccer.

Stinson, 19, impressed in his rookie season, making 13 appearances for the Reds in midfield and as a right defender. Morgan, 20, was one of the Reds' most consistent players in 2011, demonstrating great poise at the left-back position.

Canadian assistant coach Tony Fonseca stated the pair "will be great assets" for the national team going forward.

"It's been a pleasant surprise seeing two young players playing at that level. For us it's been a blessing seeing young blood coming in, with a lot of desire and passion," Fonseca said.

Fonseca explained the national team's aim is to try to bring along Stinson and Morgan slowly over time, as opposed to rushing them into the starting line-up.

"Right now it's (about) giving them the exposure necessary, make them feel comfortable and learn how to play at that stage," Fonseca said. "They are young players coming in and it's quite a challenge."

The addition of Stinson was one of two changes to Canada's roster from its last two games. Hart also recalled veteran midfielder Patrice Bernier who has battled injury problems.

Bernier last played for Canada in October 2010.

"It's great to see Patrice performing again ... He brings a wealth of experience, he's one of the veterans of the team (and) he's a quality person," Fonseca stated.

Stinson and Bernier replace midfielders Terry Dunfield (Toronto FC) and Joseph Di Chiara, who plays with Russia's Krylia Sovetov.

Also missing are defender Kevin McKenna, midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, and forward Iain Hume, who are battling injury problems.

The good news for Canada is that midfielder Will Johnson has made himself available to play even though his club team, Real Salt Lake, is still alive in the MLS playoffs.

CANADA'S ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Valerenga Fotball/Norway), Kenny Stamatopoulos (AIK Fotbol/Sweden)

Defenders: Nik Ledgerwood (SV Wehen Wiesbaden/Germany), Mike Klukowski (Manisaspor/Turkey), Adam Straith (FC Energie Cottbus/Germany), Ante Jazix (Chivas USA/MLS), David Edgar (Burnley FC/England), Ashtone Morgan (Toronto FC/MLS)

Midfielders: Julian de Guzman (Toronto FC/MLS), Matt Stinson (Toronto FC/MLS), Will Johnson (Real Salt Lake/MLS), Josh Simpson (Manisaspor/Turkey), Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault (SC Preußen Münster/Germany), Patrice Bernier (Lyngby Boldklub/Denmark)

Forwards: Tosaint Ricketts (FC Politehnica Timisoara/Romania), Simeon Jackson (Norwich City/England), Dwayne De Rosario (DC United/MLS), Olivier Occean (SpVgg Greuther Fürth/Germany)